Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
Explore our research and analysis
The new ‘minister for the vaccine’ needs clear responsibilities and remits
Like so many other of the government’s Covid announcements, Nadhim Zahawi’s appointment adds to the confusing mess of responsibilities
Amber Rudd
Amber Rudd reflects on her time working with three different prime ministers, the implications of the EU referendum and resigning as home secretary.
Rishi Sunak must explain the need for tax rises after coronavirus
To make the UK’s public finances sustainable again will require higher taxes
Time is running out to ratify a UK-EU deal
Ratification of a UK-EU Brexit deal is far from straightforward
The doubtful case for an impossible Covid-19 cost-benefit analysis
It would not improve decision-making o publish a cost-benefit analysis of the Covid tier restrictions
The prime minister’s chief of staff can restore order to the government
Civil servants look to be back in favour as the prime minister appoints a Treasury man as his chief of staff
Croydon council's bankruptcy is a warning for the UK government
Croydon’s bankruptcy shows the problems of delaying decisions on local government funding
Five things we learnt from the 2020 spending review
Before the spending review, we outlined five things to look for in the chancellor’s announcement. We assess what the statement told us about each one.
Barnett formula
The Barnett formula is used by the UK Treasury to calculate the annual block grants for the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments.
How Boris Johnson can make Christmas work in the time of Covid
Here are eight steps Boris Johnson should take to make sure the country does not regret lifting curbs for the holiday season